Rapid Access, the Middle East's leading provider of powered access equipment and solutions has moved to a new depot in Oman, which will provide a platform for the expansion of its activities.

As part of the UK-based Lavendon Group, which is the world's largest specialist rental business, Rapid Access has the region's largest and most diverse fleet, including a complete range of electric and diesel scissors and boom lifts.

The new depot in Jifnain was opened in a ceremony on Wednesday, which was attended by Dr Mohamed bin Musa Al Yousef, group chairman of Al Yousef Group and TruckOman Oil & Gas Services; Simon Burke, director of the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) at the British Embassy in Muscat; John Standen, chairman of Lavendon Group plc; Bill Towner, Oman country manager at Rapid Access; and a number of other officials.

Joint venture

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Dr Al Yousef said that Rapid Access is 70 per cent owned by Rapid Access Middle East and 30 per cent by Al Yousef Group. The new depot is located in the petroleum logistics complex, which is owned by TruckOman, a subsidiary of Al Yousef Group, he said. The facilities in the complex have been rented out to many oil and gas and logistics company, he further added.

Growing demand

Towner, Oman country manager at Rapid Access, told reporters that the 2,500 square metres depot, will help the company keep pace with the growing demand for its machines due to the major projects being implemented in the country.

He also noted that the new facility will pave the way for the offering of training services, which will start after the company expands into a building next to the new depot.

"We will introduce into Oman the International Powered Access Federation certificate, which is called IPAF," Towner said, adding that it will be issued to those who complete the training.

"We will be the first company in Oman to be able to issue this international accredited certificate," he concluded.

Rapid Access is the first company in the region to offer a range of low level access products, which include battery powered and push around machines making them ideal for confined indoor spaces.

The company operates in 10 countries in Europe and the Middle East and have been building up its operation within Oman for the past three years, now operating a fleet of approximately 300 boom lifts and scissor lifts and supplying a number of major projects such as both Muscat and Salalah new airports, PDO, Sur IPP, Sohar projects and the new Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.